Mexico Travel Tips & Information

posted by colin on Jul 13

Le Blanc Resort On Cancun White Sand Beach

Le Blanc offers a perfect adults only resort atmosphere in a luxurious, all inclusive beach resort.

From a decadent Diamond Facial to a butler-per-floor policy, Le Blanc Spa Resort continues to entice visitors with advantages that escape the standard all inclusive experience.

“Le Blanc redefines luxury the moment guests enter the sleek and minimalist lobby of the resort,” explains Maira Briceno, dir. of marketing. “Guests are instantly welcomed and treated like royalty…. At this resort, guests are indulged from beginning to end.”

Hovering over the magnificent white sand beaches of Cancun, this adults-only resort combines modern sophistication and service in such details as pillow menus, Jacuzzis built for two, and fully stocked, in-room liquor dispensers that offer premium nightcaps. Haute cuisine is another standard fare at Le Blanc, with everything from Italian favorites to Asian delicacies. Guests watching what they eat find an assortment of healthy fare including salads, lean fish, sushi and other low-cal dishes-a perfect complement to the resort’s amazing spa experience.

“The Le Blanc Spa was created with the guests’ complete relaxation in mind-a place where tranquility prevails throughout the exquisite, elegant and soothing architectural design. Here, surrounded by bamboo gardens, elegant wood and marble floors and wonderfully relaxing outdoor massage pavilions all cares are left behind,” says Briceno. “This unique mix of Asian and European traditions offers and experience of refreshment and rejuvenations for your mind, body and spirit.”

Perhaps one of Le Blanc Spa’s most arresting attractions is the Blanc D’or Suite, a private sanctuary for two with steam, sauna, double Jacuzzi, and private terrace where couples may spend the day in each other’s company while enjoying a full array of treatments. Indulgence is more of an art form here. Guests may begin their spa experience with a guided hydrotherapy routine known as the Water Journey, then continue on to anything from a hydrating papaya and melon wrap to an Asian Discovery (Zen shiatsu and Thai herbal massage) for two at a couples’ suite.  In the near future, Le Blanc will introduce new treatments for mothers-to-be.

Le Blanc Infinity Pool On The Ocean

Le Blanc is more about “a lifestyle vision of wellness and personalized attention.” Rather than just massages or facials, here it’s all about, a “sensory journey, a balancing experience that cannot be repeated at home. The location, the aromas, the architecture, the professional service are a true synergy of harmony and balance.”

Celebrities and royalty frequent Le Blanc.  This resort is exclusive and the perfect environment for a honeymoon or anniversary celebration, if not simply an escape from reality.  The best deal for Le Blanc is through one of the few
Palace Resorts VIP members with access to Le Blanc

posted by colin on Jul 6

Moon Palace Cancun Hosts Global Flu Summit

Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest meeting properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancún, Mexico, was chosen to host the Global Flu Summit on July 1-3, 2009. The Global Flu Summit was held to reflect on the lessons learned from the Influenza A-H1N1 virus. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon called the meeting to order on July 2, 2009 and then the attendees collaborated resources from around the world to uncover tools to  prevent, limit and mitigate the pandemic

Moon Palace Cancun

 Attendees included the World Health Organization General Director Margaret Chan, who recently praised Mexico for the openness and speed with which it implemented health measures, as well as Pan-American Health Organization General Director Mirta Roses, ministers of health from approximately 40 different countries and the highest level specialists and representatives from more than 50 countries. Mexico’s immediate reaction, taking control of the epidemic in a matter of a month, and acquired knowledge is proof that the world can only benefit from Mexico’s experience, said the country’s Minister of Health.

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of this event, as it shows the reestablishment of confidence and trust in the country, especially in the Mexican Caribbean, where tourism continues to recuperate at a rapid pace and is almost back to normal seasonal occupancy levels. The Global Summit not only positioned all of Mexico and singled out Quintana Roo as a safe place for tourist activity, but also served as platform to exchange knowledge and information regarding Influenza A (H1N1) virus benefiting people around the worlds, added Gonzalez. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort was chosen to host The Global Flu Summit due to its stunning meeting facilities at the largest convention center in Cancún, as well as its reputation for five-star service and amenities. The extraordinary conference center facilities include 142,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with permanent staging, the capacity for up to 8,600 attendees, and the option of 40 breakouts. Serving as one of the most technologically sophisticated resorts in Mexico, high tech board of director rooms and a business center will make these conference facilities ideal for the Global Flu Summit.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun’s tranquil south shore, nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and secluded white sand beach. This quintessential Cancun family resort offers something for everyone, starting with 2,457 luxurious rooms, including waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. Two of the largest lagoon-style pools in Mexico wind their way along the beach for more than 650 feet and are complemented by two children’s pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis and four swim-up bars. Additional on-site adventures range from a water sports marina and sporting activities to a fully equipped fitness center and private Kids Club. The Moon Spa & Golf Club is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in Cancun and one of Palace Resorts’ signature spas, which offers a complete hydrotherapy journey and signature treatments for the body and soul. Travelers enjoy a variety of international delights at 13 restaurants and premium beverages and nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges.

posted by colin on May 28

The Ministry of Health initiated a certification program for tourism destinations that are free of influenza A H1N1 by analyzing the most important touristic places and endorsing them as safe and healthy.

To this date there are five cities certified as “virus free”. These cities are: Cancun, Cozumel, Villahermosa, La Paz and Manzanillo. Nine more entities will be added to this list, including Mexico City.

The program involves the daily review of tourists and employees and is led by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This commission will maintain control of the spread of the virus and confirm that these places are safe and ready to receive tourists.

The program declares a destination as safe after 20 days of certification–the estimated incubation period ensuring the absence of the virus.

posted by colin on Apr 28

Crime Threats

The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. There is no evidence that indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens. Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and inattentiveness.

Safety

In recent years, moped rentals have become widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. U.S. Embassy Mexico City recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet skis.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the buddy system, traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess consumption of alcohol.

Traveling by Automobile

Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions. Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas. Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to the lack of adequate street lighting.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road reduces from four divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:

• Cellular phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Portable gas can with funnel
• Potable water
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares / reflectors
• Tool kit
• Spare key

Protecting Your Vehicle

Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, iPods, and expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. When possible park your vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with attendants.

OSAC – Overseas Security Advisory Council

posted by colin on Feb 25

Few places on earth cause as much amazement as the Riviera Maya. This is a 125-mile-Iong coastline that extends along the incredible turquoise blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean, on the eastern shores of the State of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula.

What makes the Riviera Maya so different from other coast­lines around the world? It has a large quantity of beaches with glistening white sand and mild surf. Near the shore, a low-ele­vation jungle, typical of the tropics, acts as a wall to the sea.

Practically impenetrable, it’s a habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna and for geological formations. Here are the “cenotes”-deposits of capricious shapes and different sizes, produced by the subterranean rivers that emerged to the surface over the course of millions of years. Facing the Riviera Maya’s coast is the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The starting point of the Riviera Maya is Puerto Morelos. Just south is Playa Maroma, a 370-acre eco-park of tropical jungle, mangroves and cenotes, where travelers can enjoy biking, canoeing, kayaking, trekking and horseback riding. Playa del Carmen, the largest town in the Riviera Maya, offers the flavor of a small fishing village mixed with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Shopping, restaurants and nightlife center around Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). The resort area of Playacar is home to a number of upscale and all-inclusive resorts, more than 100 small archeological sites, the Xaman-Ha Aviary (home to more than 200 bird species)and Cavernas Sacbe, a rock cavern.

Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park offering a unique glimpse into the region’s natural surroundings and inter­active activities like snorkeling in under­ground rivers, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding and scuba diving. There’s also a natural aquarium, museum, botanical garden, Mayan village and unique folkloric shows at night.

Continuing south, visitors will note Xpu-Ha, a large beautiful bay and beach with calm waters and great visibility, as well as Kantenah, another secluded beach area. Xpu-Ha is home to the Cenote Manatee, one of the largest cenotes in the region, and the Xpu-Ha Lagoon. Kantun Chi is a remarkable eco-park in the heart of the Riviera Maya that is excellent for snorkel­ing in freshwater cenotes and exploring the underground caverns. Its name means “yellow stone mouth” in Mayan. Aktun­Chen features three caves filled with stalac­tite and stalagmite rocks, cenotes and an opportunity to see the Riviera Maya’s diverse wildlife.

The small town of Akumal, known as “the place of turtles,” is a favorite place of the endangered marine turtles, as well as for divers. It’s also well known for its eco­logical center, Ukana-I, which is used for both research and as a community center. Just north of Akumal is YaIku Lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The beaches of Soliman Bay and Tankah are favorites for both locals and tourists. Further south is Xel-Ha (“the place where water was born”), a l50-acre eco-archeological park. An incredible nat­ural aquarium where the ocean combines with the freshwater springs and under­ground rivers, Xel-Ha is ideal for tubing, snorkeling and swimming. Xel-Ha is also home to macaws and is surrounded by a thick jungle, caves and cenotes. Archeological sites containing altars dedi­cated to Yum Chac are located nearby.

The archeological site of Tulum (“walled city”) offers some of the most impressive Mayan ruins anywhere. Built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this site contains more than 60 well-pre­served structures. Tulum also offers beauti­ful beaches and cenotes, including the well known Calavera, the Grand cenote and the Car Wash. Located inland, Coba is one of the most important archeological sites in the Riviera Maya. The main pyramid, Nohuch Mul, is 138 feet tall, the highest on the west side of the Peninsula.

To the extreme south of the Riviera Maya on a small peninsula is Sian Ka’ an Biosphere Reserve, which offers an oppor­tunity to explore mangroves, ancient Mayan canals and the almost untouched wilderness of the jungle. Only a limited part of the reserve, a large protected area of 1.5 million acres with more than 62 miles of the Great Maya Reef, is open to tourists. Located within the Reserve are Boca Paila and Punta Allen, a village with only 600 inhabitants whose livelihood is dependent on spiny lobster fishing.

The southernmost point in the Riviera Maya is the town of Felipe Puerto Carillo, considered a central point for all Mayan communities of the area. It provides a glimpse into the past, as the town has pre­served much of its ancient Mayan culture. Its numerous historic and archaeological sites include The Temple de la Cruz Parlante (Temple of the Talking Cross) and a cultural center from the last century.

J. Bernhardt